23 Apr 2012

American Samoa's Togiola looks to fine Samoa Shipping Corporation

6:36 am on 23 April 2012

American Samoa's Governor, Togiola Tulafono, has instructed staff to look into possible fines for the Samoa Shipping Corporation after it left passengers stranded in the territory.

Forty-one members of the village of Lano, Savaii, which entertained during last week's Flag Day celebration were unable to board the inter island ferry because the vessel was full.

The group had to sleep on the floor and seats at the terminal building on the inter island dock as no one from the government was present to arrange to take them back to their hosts.

Speaking on his radio program, Governor Togiola apologized for what happened, but said the government should not be blamed for leaving the passengers stranded.

Togiola said he has instructed staff to look into whether the company should be fined for leaving the passengers stranded in the territory.